FAQ

Question:

What do I need to do in order to compete?

Answer:

To compete you must have a valid British Powerlifting membership, which can be purchased here. Then enter the competition you want to enter on the competition entry site. Please see our calendar for upcoming events.

Question:

What age group do I compete in?

Answer:

Question:

What weight category do I lift in?

Answer:

Men

Sub-Junior & Junior only: up to 53.0 kg

59.0 kg Class up to 59.0 kg

66.0 kg Class from 59.01 kg up to 66.0 kg

74.0 kg Class from 66.01 kg up to 74.0 kg

83.0 kg Class from 74.01 kg up to 83.0 kg

93.0 kg Class from 83.01 kg up to 93.0 kg

105.0 kg Class from 93.01 kg up to 105.0 kg

120.0 kg Class from 105.01 kg up to 120.0 kg

120.0+ kg Class from 120.01 kg up to unlimited

Women

Sub-Junior & Junior only: up to 43.0 kg

47.0 kg Class up to 47.0 kg

52.0 kg Class from 47.01 kg up to 52.0 kg

57.0 kg Class from 52.01 kg up to 57.0 kg

63.0 kg Class from 57.01 kg up to 63.0 kg

69.0 kg Class from 63.01 kg up to 69.0 kg

76.0 kg Class from 69.01 kg up to 76.0 kg

84.0 kg Class from 76.01 kg up to 84.0 kg

 84.0+ kg Class from 84.01 kg up to unlimited

Question:

What do I need to wear when lifting in a powerlifting competition?

Answer:

Suit

A lifting costume must be worn and shall be of a one – piece full length lifting suit of one – ply stretch material without any patches, padding or division into panels by means of seams not necessary in the manufacture of the costume. The costume must be form fitting without any looseness when worn by the lifter. The straps must be worn over the shoulders at all times while lifting in competition.

T Shirt:

A T Shirt of any colour or colours must be worn under the lifting suit during the performance of the squat, bench press and deadlift. The T Shirt must not have any pockets, buttons, zippers, collar, or vee neck.. It shall not have sleeves which terminate either below the elbow or at the deltoid. T-Shirts must not be worn inside out. Is plain or bears the badge and or inscription of the lifter’s nation, national or regional federation, club or sponsor.Briefs:

A standard commercial “athletic supporter” or standard commercial briefs (not boxer shorts) of any mixture of cotton, nylon or polyester shall be worn under the lifting suit. Women may also wear a commercial or sports bra.Socks:

Socks may be worn. They may be of any colour or colours and may have manufacturer’s logos. They shall not be of such length on the leg that they come into contact with the knee wraps or knee cap supporter. Shin length socks must be worn to cover and protect the shins while performing the deadlift.Belt:

Competitors may wear a belt. If worn, it shall be on the outside of the lifting suit and comply with requirements set out in the IPF Technical Rule book

Shoes or boots:

Shoes or boots shall be worn. Shoes shall be taken to include only Sports Shoes / Sports Boots; W/L, P/L Boots or Deadlift Slippers. The above is referring to indoor sports e.g. wrestling/basketball. Hiking boots do not fall into this category.  All personal equipment must comply with the IPF Technical Rule book. Which can be found here http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/Technical-Rules.50.0.html

For more information regarding ruling and approved equipment please go to the IPF's webpages.